Kanchenjunga South Base Camp starts from Taplejung or Suketar and walks Limbu and Rai country toward Ramche and Oktang, facing the south wall of the world’s third-highest peak. Days are long, lodges sparse, and the trail remote. Ramche, Oktang, and the Yalung glacier put you under Kanchenjunga’s south wall.
Yalung glacier views and rhododendron in spring are the landmarks. You walk out the same valleys to the eastern airstrip or road. Kanchenjunga Conservation Area permits are arranged in Kathmandu, and Oktang is the viewpoint morning under the south face.
Client funds sit against a security deposit at the Ministry of Tourism, and we prefer a guide from these Limbu and Rai valleys who is licensed through MOCTCA and NATHM. You'll fly Kathmandu to Suketar via Biratnagar with the restricted Kanchenjunga permit already processed.
We'll book sparse lodge nights at Ramche before you fly east, then hike to Oktang and the Yalung glacier under the south wall. Your guide shares the next long day each evening, and we would rather add the Ramche rest than rush the 4,730 m viewpoint.
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International airport at Kathmandu, we will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in you will have time to rest and recover from your journey.
Later on, we will gather for a brief briefing where we will explain trek plan, permits and other important things. We will also check your gear and ensure that everything is ready for the coming days.
If you feel comfortable we can go for a short walk around the nearby area so that we know the surroundings. This day is mainly for rest, preparation and get ready for trek.
Today, we will take a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Suketar via Biratnagar. During the flight, we will have views on hills, rivers and scattered settlements.
Once we have landed, we will transfer to our lodge and settle in. We will spend some time organizing our trekking gear and making last-minute checks for our trek ahead.
Depending on the time of arrival, we may go on to explore the nearby area and observe local village life. This day assists us in slowly getting used to the surroundings, the altitude and thus start the trek in a comfortable and prepared manner.
We will start our trek from Suketar with a slow descent through farmland and small villages. The trail is easy and we can walk at an easy pace and adapt to the trekking routine. Along the way, we will pass by terraced fields, cross small streams, and see local life in the villages.
The path is well defined and not too demanding and is a good start to the trek. This day helps us to get used to walking for several hours with the help of the enjoyment of the natural surroundings and peaceful environment.
Today, we will continue trekking on a route consisting of uphill and downhill. The trail winds through forest areas, small settlements and alongside rivers.
We will cross suspension bridges and walk through quiet villages where we can see the local daily life. The path is moderate and we are able to keep up a steady pace without too much trouble.
As we progress we will slowly feel more connected to the remote environment. Mamangkhe is a peaceful village, where we will spend an overnight stay and rest after the day's walk.
We will follow the trail along Kabeli Khola and pass through forested trails and cultivated land. The route involves several ascents and descents, and therefore the day is a little more active than the previous ones.
Along the way, we will pass small villages and have opportunities to interact with the local people. As you get further along the trail the scenery starts to open up.
Yamphudin is a bigger settlement and we will stay overnight. This day helps us to increase stamina and gets us ready for higher sections ahead.
Today, we will leave Yamphudin and take a trail where it is more remote and less populated. The path is a series of ups and downs as we pass through woodlands and along narrow ridges.
We will cross minor streams and suspension bridges along the way. The trail gradually gets quieter and we will not see as many settlements as we did before.
This section helps us to go deeper into the Kanchenjunga region adjusting to the changing terrain. Omje Khola is a simple stop where we will spend the night.
We will continue our trek through dense areas of forest populated with rhododendron and bamboos. The trail slowly goes uphill and gets more picturesque as we increase elevation.
We may also be seeing signs of wildlife along the way. The path consists of a steady climb with some steep sections, but we will keep the pace a comfortable one.
As we move up, the environment becomes cooler and more peaceful. Tortong is a small settlement surrounded by forest where we will stay for the night.
Today, we will begin to gradually move out of the forest and into more open country. The trail goes uphill and has broader views of the surrounding mountains.
As we ascend, the vegetation is limited and the landscape is transformed into alpine landscape. We will walk at a steady pace so as to allow proper acclimatization.
Tserma is a high altitude campsite area in which we will camp overnight. This is a very important day as we head towards the base camp region.
We will continue trekking through high alpine terrain with good views of the mountains. The trail is gradual but is at higher altitude so we will walk slowly and steadily.
Along the way we will see glacial landscapes and open valleys. The air gets thinner so we will take regular breaks to adjust properly.
Ramche is a high altitude halt point, where we will stay overnight. This day is important in acclimatization before the base camp viewpoint.
Today is among the great highlights of the trek. We will hike from Ramche to Oktang viewpoint (Kanchenjunga South Base Camp) and return along the same trail. It is a steep ascent on an open alpine trail that is rising with more and more views over the nearby mountains.
With increased elevation the terrain becomes more rugged and glacial and broad valleys. The central position of the south base camp is the Oktang, which has close and clear scenery of the mountain Kanchenjunga and other nearby mountains and glaciers. We will spend some time here enjoying the views, take pictures and have rest before we begin our descent.
After spending enough time at the viewpoint, we will return along the same trail back to Ramche.
After finishing south base camp hike the day before, we will spend this day at Ramche to rest and give our body proper time to recover. This is an important acclimatizing day once we arrive at higher altitude to enable us to adjust to the altitude and regain our energy before continuing with the trek. We will do short walks around the surrounding area and have close views of the mountains, and spend some time relaxing in such a peaceful alpine environment.
Since we now have already got to the main viewpoint at Oktang, there is no need to rush, and this rest day means that we can better prepare for the descent ahead. We will also use this time for proper hydration, eating and checking physical condition. Staying an extra night at this altitude helps in reducing fatigue and makes the return journey more comfortable and safe.
We will stay overnight at Ramche.
Today, we will start our trek down to lower altitude. The trail takes you back through alpine terrain along the same path and gradually comes back into forested areas. As we descend the air gets thicker and it is easier to walk.
We will pass through Tserma and continue down towards Tortong. The path has some steep parts so we will walk very carefully. This day brings a noticeable change in the landscape as we return to more green surroundings.
Tortong will be our one night stop.
We will keep on descending through dense forests with rhododendron and bamboos. The trail is quite a steady downhill with a few short uphill sections.
We will cross streams and walk in areas of quiet forests. This portion of the trek is more peaceful and offers the opportunity to enjoy the natural surroundings.
As we lose altitude, breathing is easier and the temperature is warmer. Omje Khola is a simple halt where we will stay for an overnight stay and rest.
Today, we will take the trail back towards Yamphudin. The path consists of both uphill and downhill sections, however it is overall easier in comparison to the ascent.
We will pass through trails in forests and cross suspension bridges and walk alongside rivers. On the way, we may again encounter local people and see village life.
The trail seems more familiar as we return on the same path. Yamphudin will be our overnight stop.
We will keep descending along Kabeli Khola passing through the cultivated land and forested sections. The trail features a number of gentle rises and falls, and is therefore a moderate walking day. As we move downwards the landscape becomes greener and more populated.
We will go through small settlements and farmland on the way. Mamangkhe is a sleepy village where we will spend the night and recuperate at the end of the day's walk.
Today, we will continue our trek through a combination of forest trails and small settlements. The route consists of a number of ups and downs, so it is a moderately active day.
We will walk through cultivated land and cross small streams and pass through villages where we can observe local life. As we continue the trail becomes more familiar and easier when compared to the higher sections of the trail.
The environment is greener while it is more comfortable in terms of temperature. Keswa is a quiet village where we will spend the night and rest after the day's walk.
We will continue our trek back towards Suketar following a well-defined trail up through villages and farmland. On the way, the route contains gradual ascents and descents and we can walk at a constant and comfortable pace. Along the way, we will pass through local settlements and enjoy views of the overlying hills.
This is our last day of trekking so we will take time to enjoy the walk and reflect on the journey. After arriving at Suketar we will rest and get ready for return flight.
Today, we will take a flight from Suketar to Kathmandu via Biratnagar. After reaching the airport we will get on the connecting flight and head back to Kathmandu.
During the flight, we will again have the views of hills and landscapes from above. After your arrival in Kathmandu we will take you to your hotel.
The rest of the day is free to rest, shop or explore the city at your own pace. This day is the last day of trekking of the journey.
On your last day, we will transfer you in Tribhuvan international airport for the departure. Depending on the time of your flight you may have some free time in the morning for last minute shopping, or a short walk around the city.
We will ensure that we transfer you to the airport in time and help you with departure procedures if required. This marks the end of your Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek with us, and we hope you leave with good memories of the journey.
Fly into Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu unless the itinerary uses another regional hub. Airport or hotel pickup can be arranged when you share arrival details ahead of travel.
Briefings cover road or domestic travel to the trailhead. Build buffer time before onward international flights in case mountain weather shifts the schedule.
Twin or double rooms in a comfortable Kathmandu hotel cover your first nights and your return from the trail, with breakfast on those city stays when included in the package. Briefings happen at the hotel, and airport collection from Tribhuvan is available when flight times are shared in advance.
Family-run teahouses or lodges line the route with twin beds and a shared dining room. Rooms get simpler and colder as you climb, with shared bathrooms common at higher villages. Hot water, Wi-Fi, and charging are paid at the lodge when offered.
Stable trekking weather most often falls in pre-monsoon spring and post-monsoon autumn. Monsoon cloud sits lower on the hills while winter brings ice on steps above village level.
If your dates sit in winter or monsoon, pack rain and cold layers and accept that flight or pass days may move by a day when safety requires it. Weather can shift daily plans, so your guide keeps a steady pace with regular breaks.
You should be comfortable walking several hours a day on uneven paths with a daypack, including steady uphill sections as you gain height. Hill training and longer weekend walks in the months before travel help your legs and lungs on uphill trail days.
Hill training, stair climbing, and longer weekend hikes in the months before travel help your legs and lungs, even when acclimatisation days are built into the route. Break in boots before you fly and carry a light daypack on practice walks.
Guided trekking with licensed leaders, lodge nights on the trail, meals as described for walking days, and permits for the regions crossed are included when they are part of this trip. Domestic flights, porters, and airport transfers apply only when they are part of this trip.
Domestic flights, road transfers, porter support, and airport transfers apply only when they are part of this trip. Permits for the regions you cross are arranged in Kathmandu or Pokhara when included.
International flights to Nepal, visa fees, compulsory travel insurance, personal trekking clothing, snacks and drinks outside included meals, and tips for crew are not covered. Hot showers, Wi-Fi, and battery charging in lodges are usually paid locally when offered.
Charges for hot showers, Wi-Fi, or battery charging in lodges are paid locally when offered unless your trip notes say otherwise. International flights, visa fees, and personal insurance stay outside the trek package.
Hotel meet in Thamel is typical; send flight numbers so pickup can meet you at the international terminal. Allow a little extra time after the trek before international flights home in case mountain roads or flights move.
Rest day buffer after the trek helps if Lukla or helicopter sectors slip by a day. Trail conditions are checked each morning before the group moves.
Guides set a steady pace and watch for headache, nausea, or dizziness as you gain height. Your crew would rather wait for a safe window than rush marginal weather.
Tell your guide early if symptoms appear so tomorrow's stage can shorten or descent can start before conditions worsen. Thamel hotels are the usual meet point; drivers need flight numbers to meet you at the international terminal.
Jeep or bus days to the remote trailhead are arranged when they are part of your package. Your guide confirms departure times at briefing.
Motion sickness medicine helps on winding mountain roads. Shoulder weeks need an honest weather call before high passes or dawn viewpoints.
National park or restricted-area permits apply depending on the valleys you cross. The team arranges paperwork in Kathmandu or Pokhara when you provide passport copies and trek dates.
Keep copies in your daypack for checkpoint stops. Your crew would rather wait for a safe window than rush marginal weather.
Families join when children can manage the daily hours and terrain on this specific route. Pace and daily hours can be adjusted on private departures, though that may extend the calendar.
Ask our Kathmandu team if you are planning with younger walkers. Private departures can shorten daily hours, though that may add a day or two to the calendar.
Comprehensive travel insurance that covers trekking to the highest altitude on your itinerary, medical evacuation, and helicopter rescue when applicable is essential. Many standard policies exclude high altitude by name.
Read the wording before you travel so you can adjust cover if trekking above 5,000 metres is not named. Many standard policies exclude high altitude by name, so read the wording before you fly.
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About the centre
Kathmandu
You'll travel with a Kathmandu-based team that plans treks, peak climbs, helicopter flights, motorbike journeys, and cultural trips across Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan. Routes range from classic teahouse walks and high passes to luxury lodge itineraries and longer expedition-style climbs, with departures shaped around how you want to pace the mountains.
Licensed guides and office staff train regularly on mountain safety and guest care. Porters are insured, fairly paid, and equipped for the trail, with sensible load limits on lodge routes. We work with remote communities through sustainable tourism, including support for education in village areas, so your booking helps local people as well as your own adventure.
Operated by Himalayan Adventure Treks & Tours, a partner of adventuro.
Bagmati Province, Nepal
From $7000
